Houston ISD libraries have slipped into further disrepair, despite a $10 million investment over the last three years.

More than 80 percent of HISD libraries fail to meet state guidelines for staffing and book collections, and an additional 20 percent of the district’s 289 schools don’t even have functioning libraries, according to Houston Independent School District data.

“It’s incredibly disheartening when the largest district in Texas has librarians at less than half of its campuses,” said Gloria Meraz, Texas Library Association spokeswoman.